Two people have been killed in what police say was a rolling terror attack in northern Israel.
Police stated that the attacker ran over a pedestrian in the eastern city of Beit Shean, then drove on before stabbing a woman near Ein Harod, approximately 8 miles (12.5km) to the west. The suspect was eventually shot and wounded by a civilian outside the city of Afula, according to police.
Shimshon Mordechai, a 68-year-old man, was killed and a 16-year-old boy was hurt in Friday's ramming incident, while the stabbing victim was identified as Aviv Maor, aged 18.
A day prior to this attack, an Israeli reservist faced dismissal after a video surfaced showing him ramming a praying Palestinian with a quad bike.
The individual suspected of the attack originated from the village of Qabatiya in the northern occupied West Bank, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed.
In response to the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced preparations for an operation in Qabatiya, with Katz instructing them to act forcefully and immediately. Reports indicated that the suspect had crossed into Israeli territory illegally a few days prior.
Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and also praised the citizen who intervened to neutralize the assailant.
The event adds to the timeline of violence surrounding Israeli-Palestinian relations, particularly following the late 2023 Hamas attacks, which significantly increased hostilities, leading to extensive casualties on both sides. According to United Nations reports, over a thousand individuals have been killed in attacks on Palestinians, while Gaza has also faced severe casualties attributed to Israeli actions since the conflict escalated.
